Belgian soldiers - based in Moray - injured during training exercise at firing range in Tain
Enquiries are ongoing after multiple military personnel were injured during a training exercise at a firing range.
Three ambulances, two air ambulances and police were called to the firing range in Tain at around 1pm on Monday (May 12) and three foreign military personnel were taken to hospital.
The soldiers are among 600 Belgians currently based in Moray for a large-scale operation.
Two injured soldiers were flown by air ambulance to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, with a third taken to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness and later released.
The Independent also reported that a further 12 soldiers suffered “hearing damage” as a result of the incident.
Belgian’s Prime Minister Bart de Wever wished the country’s injured personnel a quick recovery.
He said: “The sad news reached me that three soldiers of the Third Parachute Battalion were injured during an exercise in Scotland.
“I wish the victims a speedy recovery. My condolences to their loved ones.”
Emergency services were first called to the scene early on Monday afternoon. A road closure was put in place around the firing range at Tain shortly after.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “At around 1.25pm on Monday, May 12, we were made aware of a report of military personnel being injured during a training exercise at RAF Tain.
“Emergency services attended and two men were taken by air ambulance to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary for treatment.
“A third man was taken to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness and released following treatment for minor injuries.
“Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.”
A Scottish Ambulance Service spokesperson added: “We received a call at 13:16 on Monday (May 12) to attend an incident in the area of Fendom, Tain.
“Three ambulances, an air ambulance with trauma team, Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance, a pre-hospital immediate care and trauma team (PICT), and a BASICS Scotland doctor were dispatched to the scene.”
The Ministry of Defence confirmed that they are “aware” of the incident and confirmed that no UK Armed Forces personnel were involved.
A spokesperson added: “Our thoughts are with all those affected."
